Author G.A. Smith to sign books July 15

Browseabout Books will host author G.A. Smith signing his debut novel, “Burden of Command,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 15, at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Smith is a University of Delaware professor who has taught special education courses in Lewes and Georgetown.

“Burden of Command” takes place in 1968 when the war in Vietnam is getting hotter, as are the anti-war protests back home. Special agent Will Tanner returns from Vietnam to Fort Carson, Colo., where he meets Julia, an anti-war demonstrator who later becomes the target of an investigation along with her circle of friends. The story centers on how Tanner’s conscience evolves and eventually leads him to take action and make a personal decision in favor of love over duty.

Smith said, “The story is relevant today both as an account of military history and the kinds of shenanigans that are carried out in the name of national security. Santayana’s words still apply: ‘Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.’”